UGA Sports Communications
December 2, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.-----Western Kentucky sank four free throws in the final 18 seconds to secure a 67-63 win over Georgia Tuesday at Diddle Arena.

The Bulldogs (5-2) led 38-35 at halftime, and scored the first two points of the second half before Western Kentucky (4-2) responded with a 14-4 run. Georgia pulled to within one on four different occasions, but could never regain the lead.

"I think we got better tonight," Georgia head coach Dennis Felton said. "We were right where we wanted to be at the end and held them to 35 percent shooting. Overall, coming into a place as electrified as this and to play with good purpose, poise and composure all game, I'm really pleased and encouraged with the way the team responded to this type of challenge."

Georgia trailed 63-60 with just under 25 seconds remaining when Western Kentucky's A.J. Slaughter heaved a desperation three that grazed the rim as the shot clock expired. The Hilltoppers' Anthony Sally grabbed the offensive rebound and subsequently made the first of four Western Kentucky free throws in the closing seconds.

"When it gets to the last seven seconds of a possession, our goal is to not let the team even get a shot off," Felton said. "We defended so well, they threw a baseball pass at the rim with no time left. The rebound they got on that was an unfortunate play."

Senior Terrance Woodbury scored 18 points, including 16 in the first half, to lead the Bulldogs while freshman Howard Thompkins added 10.

"This was an atmosphere where we need our senior and most experienced player to play that way," Felton said. "(Woodbury) had a good game."

Georgia led throughout most of the first half and built a 22-14 advantage before the Hilltoppers regained the lead with a 16-3 run. However, the Bulldogs outscored Western Kentucky 8-0 at the end of the half to take a three-point lead at the break.

Georgia shot just 32.3 percent from the field in the second half including 1-of-9 from beyond the arc. The Bulldogs were 6-of-12 from the foul line compared to 18-of-27 for the Hilltoppers, and outrebounded Western Kentucky 41-39.

The Hilltoppers were led by Slaughter with 20 points and Sergio Kerusch with 13.

The Bulldogs will travel to Chicago for a matchup against Illinois on Saturday at the United Center. The game is scheduled for noon Eastern and will be televised by ESPNU.